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April 24, 2020 VIRAL BUSINESS

Milford brewery launches amid pandemic

PHOTOS | Courtesy Dockside Brewery  
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

The owners of the new Dockside Brewery in Milford knew they were taking a gamble when they decided to launch amid a global health crisis, but the risk seems to be paying off. 

Co-owners Bob Chicoine and Dan Bagley had spent years planning, getting necessary approvals and doing construction, and they were excited to open their independent craft brewery and waterfront biergarten at 44-50 Bridgeport Ave., in late March. Then the pandemic gripped the country.

“It’s been a long journey — and we finally got to a point where we were ready to open ... then had this happen,” said Chicoine.

They debated what to do at a time when Gov. Ned Lamont had just prohibited restaurants from having dine-in service. Should they hold off, wait and see what happened, or at least open in a limited way?

“We were in a holding pattern. We had a lot of beer and decided to do takeout too, and see what people thought of the beer and food,” Chicoine said. “We figured we would give it a whirl.”

They started selling beer and doing curbside food takeout on Friday, April 3 with a staff of some 10 employees. They are currently open Thursdays through Sundays.

On Friday morning, Chicoine described the response from the community in their first three weeks as “phenomenal.” In fact, it’s been busy, even though they aren’t operating at 100 percent yet.

“We have been blown away by the response,” Chicoine said. “This [pandemic] is a once-in-a-generation event, and people have come out in droves to support us.”

They have two buzzwords for their business strategy: “pivot” and “nimble,” to reflect the need to change with the uncertain times.

While the staff has been interacting with customers at curbside, Chicoine said they are looking forward to a time when people will be able to come inside to dine and enjoy everything the business has to offer. 

The owners started construction in February 2019 shortly after getting permission for the 4,200-square-foot biergarten and brewpub, which boasts views of the Housatonic River.

They spent about a year getting ready, including renovating an existing building for the business, and demolishing an existing house to make way for parking. The business features a taproom, bar, dining area geared toward families, multilevel decks and fire pits.

While they focus on takeout sales, they are looking forward to a time when patrons will be inside enjoying the food and views — even though no one knows exactly when that will be.

“A lot of work and pain went into this project, and we can’t wait to have people in,” Chicoine said. 

Once fully operational, the owners anticipate the business will employ some 50 to 60 people.

For now, customers can buy an assortment of freshly brewed beers with names such as The Schwartz Is with You, Feelin’ Juicy and Mango Tango. And there is the takeout food too — from burgers to tacos to wings to pizza.

For more information, visit docksidebrewery.com.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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